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Blood is thicker than water, and, in some cases, might be fatter than water as well. Researchers are theorizing that a simple blood test may soon be able to predict which children are likely to grow up to have weight problems. Scientists conducted research on lab rats, and have discovered that high levels of triglycerides (fats) in the blood are likely to produce appetite-stimulating substances called galanin and orexin. In addition, high triglyceride levels interfere with the hormone leptin, which curbs appetite. Dr. Sarah Leibowitz of Rockefeller University presented these findings recently at the meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
While no human research has been conducted as of yet, scientists involved in the study believe people and rats have similar appetite and weight-gain systems.